STMicroelectronics (NYSE: STM), a leader in ICs for consumer products, has simplified design and reduced the real-estate needed to protect the electronics behind the latest high-speed multimedia connections, with an all-in-one device compatible with today’s highest signal speeds and featuring the smallest package dimensions currently on the market.

With growing access to high-definition content throughout increasingly sophisticated home multimedia networks, equipment such as Blu-ray players, set-top boxes, PVRs, game terminals, PCs, network storage and televisions are now integrating high-speed interfaces such as HDMI, DisplayPort and DiiVA (Digital interactive interface for Video and Audio). These interconnects combine several multi-gigabit data channels to achieve total data rates in excess of 10 Gbit/s in the case of HDMI 1.4 and up to 13.5 Gbit/s for DiiVA.

“The extremely high per-channel data rates of advanced multimedia connections increase the demands on devices protecting internal circuitry as the equipment is connected and disconnected,” said Eric Paris, Product Marketing Director, Application-Specific Discretes (ASD) and Integrated Passive and Active Devices (IPAD) Division, STMicroelectronics. “ST is responding to this challenge by expanding its HSP high-speed protection IC family to save part count and PCB space, and enable high-definition equipment to maintain ultra-high data rates.”

ST’s HSP06-8M16 ESD provides eight channels of protection, allowing designers to use only one device per connector, simplifying PCB design. In addition, the device has smaller dimensions than alternative approaches, which frees real-estate on the board for other value-added functions.

With ultra-low capacitance per line and extremely close matching between capacitance values, the HSP061-8M16 also minimizes slowing of data edges and prevents signal skew between adjacent lines. This prevents communication errors that ultimately can produce glitches in played-back HD images or audio.

The HSP061-8M16 is sampling now to lead customers, and will be available in a 16-pad uDFN package priced at $0.40 in quantities of 3000. Alternative pricing options are available for larger quantities.

About STMicroelectronicsSTMicroelectronics is a global leader serving customers across the spectrum of electronics applications with innovative semiconductor solutions. ST aims to be the undisputed leader in multimedia convergence and power applications leveraging its vast array of technologies, design expertise and combination of intellectual property portfolio, strategic partnerships and manufacturing strength. In 2009, the Company’s net revenues were $8.51 billion. Further information on ST can be found at www.st.com.